PDA

View Full Version : Link Laws

HerOverMe
03-07-2006, 02:48 PM
I am wanting to start a local party planning directory website. Think citysearch, but local and only dealing with categories related to party planning. I'm wondering what the rules are on listing businesses. Do I have to have their permission to list them? Do I have to have their permission to link to their website? If so, do I need permission in writing from the owner? Oh - I am not charging anyone to use this tool. It's going to be a way to promote myself as a party planner and possibly set up shop selling supplies online. The directory itself is free to those listed as well as users.
Lori
03-08-2006, 10:32 AM
If you aren't copying any of their content, just listing them as a resource -- it should be fine. In fact they should THANK you. One way inbound links are very valuable.

I thought of you the other day. Have you seen the Hearthsong company? They sell some terrific toys and they have these gorgeous hideaways (http://hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=5&sc=1005&bc=1005&pgc=94&cmvalue=HS%7CCROSSSELL%7CPRODUCT%7C206).

I could just picture this set up at a little girl's party :)
HerOverMe
03-08-2006, 10:47 AM
Thanks Lori, that's what seemed logical to me. I may eventually allow businesses to enhance their listings for a small fee, but for now I'm just wanting a very basic list with links.

You have me pegged. My little girl's room is fairy themed. I actually made her one of those hideaways using a hula-hoop, gauze and artificial flowers.
justinpowell
03-18-2006, 10:55 AM
Ashlee:

I'm not a legal expert, but my understanding is that it's totally legal to link to site's home page without permission. And why wouldn't they want a link to their site?

Where you get into more of a grey area is when you link to specific pages within a site - called "deep linking". While this is still often done and there's not much fuss about it, Ticketmaster did sue another site for linking to specific event pages. (Why Ticketmaster would do this is questionable, since they'd still presumably get the sale...)

You may want to send out a quick e-mail to each site notifying them that you did link and give them a way to contact you if they want to be removed.

Justin